How to Design a Cable Clip using 3D CAD Software
Designing small, practical objects is one of the best ways to get started with 3D modeling, and a cable clip is a perfect example. With the rise of accessible design tools like SelfCAD, creating functional items no longer requires advanced engineering skills or expensive software. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to design a simple yet effective cable clip from scratch, using intuitive modeling and sculpting tools. Whether you want to organize your workspace, manage charging cables, or prototype a custom solution, learning how to build a cable clip will introduce you to essential design concepts such as shape creation, measurement accuracy, and preparing models for 3D printing. By the end, you’ll have both a ready-to-print design and the foundational skills to create your own everyday objects.
Follow along with the YouTube video: How to 3D Design a Cable Clip in SefCAD
Check out its interactive tutorial too at; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/254l71b352m3n4j4l256q6h3d3s516fb68m6
Once you launch the editor;
From the 3D sketch category on the toolbar choose 3D sketch; choose arc 2, Set symmetry to true, symmetry axis to z
Type 0 value into the point position x measurement, -100 value into the point position z measurement
Click on highlighted point to draw arc
Type in 75 value into the length measurement, Click on highlighted point to draw arc
Type in 50 value into the bulge measurement, Click on highlighted point to draw arc
Click on highlighted point to draw arc
Type in 35 value into the length measurement, Click on highlighted point to draw arc
Set symmetry to false, Click on highlighted point to draw arc
Click on highlighted point to draw arc
From the tool panel choose circle, Click on highlighted point to draw circle
Type in 10 value into the radius measurement, Click on highlighted point to draw circle
From the tools category on the toolbar choose follow path; Set mode to extrude, direction to bottom/top
Tick the checkmark to finalize follow path
Click on profile 1, 2 to select it. Click on mesh 1 to deselect; Click delete button to delete selected objects
Click on mesh 1 to select
Click scale on the toolbar; Set y to 60 using highlighted gizmo.
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the deform category on the toolbar choose flatten; Set y to 55
Click ‘’x’ to close transformation panel
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click purple
Click ok
As you continue honing your design skills, remember that SelfCAD offers a wealth of resources to support your learning journey. To deepen your understanding and explore more advanced features, consider checking out the interactive tutorials (https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials) available on the SelfCAD website. The tutorials page provides a treasure trove of guides, tips, and tricks that cater to designers of all levels.
More structured learning experience can also be accessed at the SelfCAD Academy (https://www.selfcad.com/academy/curriculum/), https://www.youtube.com/@3dmodeling101, and 3D Modeling 101 series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74nFNT8yS9DcE1UlUUdiR1wFGv9DDfTB). This comprehensive resource offers in-depth courses taught by industry experts, allowing you to master the intricacies of SelfCAD at your own pace
Top comments (0)